21:9 What does it mean that Philip's daughters prophesied?
21:9 What does it mean that Philip's daughters prophesied?
This means that Philip's daughters had the gift of prophecy, one of the nine manifestations of the Spirit, which the Holy Spirit gives to individual believers to profit the whole body of believers (CP Joel 2:28; 1Cor 12:4-11).
Philip's daughters were not designated prophets like Agabus (CP Ac 11:27-28; 21:10-11). Agabus held the office of prophet, one of the ministry gifts Christ gave to the church (CP Eph 4:11-12).
The office of prophet is a permanent ministry, whereas the gift of prophecy only operates at certain times when the need arises. Its purpose is to build up, motivate, and encourage the local church - edify, exhort and comfort (CP 1Cor 14:1-4).